Becoming A Foreign Exchange Student...?

Question

I desperately want to become a Foreign Exchange student to Japan, the first semester of next year. (Aug.-Jan.).

By the departure time I would have 1 1/2 years of Japanese.

I have 112 hours of community service.

I am an honors student who hasn't failed to get Honor roll for all of High School.

I would miss the first semester of my Junior Year, but that is meaningless for me.

My japanese teacher said she would write a letter of recomendation for me.

I already spoke with my guidance counselor and representatives at CCI. Issues with credits have been resolved. People at CCI said it is not a problem I am not a US citizen.

Basically, I'm worried that because I'm not a citizen, CCI may be reluctant to accept me.

Does anyone know my chances of being accepted?
Should I get my hopes up?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hello! Great job with all your hard work.

I went to Japan on a summer term, but Youth For Understanding has semester terms, too.
I got in on a corporate sponsorship, so it was of no cost to me.

I was a C student, knew no Japanese, and hadn't really had anything cool like community service on my resume.
You should be a shoe-in.

I'm not sure if the citizenship problem will hurt you, but it doesn't hurt to check.

Answer 2

You are to be commended for your desire to experience a new culture and fluency in Japanese. Fewer students from America choose participation in the foreign exchange program than other countries whose students face fierce competition for scarce suitable host families in the USA. Your chances are very good but please BE CAREFUL! There are no screening requirements for host families in most countries. As a minor, you will encounter huge problems if your host family is not a good host family. Check out the Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students for safety tips. There are many other placement agencies that you can contact. But again, be careful! Really, it is best to participate in the foreign exchange program while in college. As an adult, you will be able to deal with serious issues that come up and colleges have better programs insuring you will receive college credit and more cost-effective programs. You are an intelligent and resourceful person as illustrated by your service to community and being on honor roll. But if you have questions about your residency status, do not go. And do not depend on a placement agency for advice about this serious serious issue. You need to check with an immigration attorney. Do not sign anything unless an attorney reads it first.

Answer 3

You should try looking up summer programs (many of which have scholarships available). Studying abroad for an year might be something you want to do in college when you are more fluent (so you can understand classes taught in Japanese), older (so that you're ready to live away from your parents for that long of a time and it's more fun!), and have more options available. I went to Japan through the YFU program. I got a scholarship so I only paid a small fee. I did not have to take a test although I did have to write an application and get teacher's recommendations. I went alone without my parents, and it was for 6 weeks in the summer. Good luck!

Answer 4

I have chances for you.But don't get your hopes up because it that doesn't work you should have a back up plan for your life.If youd o get your hopes up then you will be depressed all the time and depression will lead to a bad life.